As America struggles down the road toward a coherent energy policy that focuses on a higher degree of self-reliance, policymakers face numerous issues and realities. These include: the finite supply and environmental impact of fossil fuels, the feasibility and costs to implement a widespread switch to renewable energy sources, and the variables that lead to consumers' preferences for particular types of power generation.

Kazakhstan has huge potential for renewable energy, in particular in wind. Since the renewable sector is almost untapped and the government of Kazakhstan is actively working on promoting renewable energy sources and starting new programs to reach the renewable energy target of 5 percent by 2024, this presents an opportunity for many new projects.
About 50% of Kazakhstan’s territory has average wind speeds about 4-5 m/sec at a height of 30m which is perfect for wind energy development. In some estimates the wind potential of Kazakhstan forms about 1820 billion KW/h per year. Kazakhstan Wind Energy Summit will focus on local regulations, investment opportunities and advanced technology solutions.

The price of oil isn’t the only hydrocarbon going through the roof. Check out thermal coal prices to see how dependent economic growth has become on burning increasing amounts of fossil fuels. Prices of Newcastle coal, the Asian coal price benchmark, are poised to rise by as much as 30 per cent this year, approaching the peak levels seen in 2008.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a supplemental proposal to reduce emissions from the Four Corners Power Plant. The new proposal will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from approximately 45,000 tons per year to 5,800 tons per year, 3,200 tons less than EPA’s initial proposal. The proposal will also work to protect public health in the area by ensuring residents have cleaner air with fewer harmful pollutants.
Today’s action follows EPA’s initial October proposal to require pollution controls at the Four Corners Power Plant. In response to that proposal, Arizona Public Service put forward an alternative requiring plant operators to install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on two of the five coal-fired boilers and shut down the three older ones. SCR is the most stringent pollution control technology available for this type of facility.

“The new proposal controls emissions better, while costing less and preserving jobs,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This plant is the nation’s largest source of nitrogen oxides. By reducing its emissions by 87% - rather than our initial proposal of 80% - we will all be able to see the results and breathe cleaner, healthier air.”

The Department of Defense is placing a new emphasis on improving energy efficiency.

The goals are to improve national energy security, enhance battlefield capability, and control costs.